Just back from Sydney/Pt Douglas
 

Happy to answer questions about either location. I just returned on 12/1/99 after 2 week trip.

Rick, What were the "must-sees" and were there any "forget-about-its"? How long were you in each location, and where did you stay?

Elaine, <BR>I have sent you an email directly.

Rick: We are planning a trip to Australia and New Zealand next November. We are planning for 6 nights in Sydney (1 recovering from jet lag). Is that too much? We are also figuring on 2 days, 3 nights in Palm Cove and possibly one night in the rain forest. Is this reasonable? What were your best sights and must sees?

Have you been to Palm Cove ? How does it compare to Port Douglas ? <BR> <BR>Many thanks !

I havent been to Palm Cove but we did meet a couple that was staying there and said that they were enjoying it very much. Pt Douglas as you have heard is great, we enjoyed both Sydney and Pt D. As far as staying in the rainforest, check out Silky Oaks Lodge (I believe it is part of Daintree) we stopped there for a drink and thought is was beautiful.

Thank you !

I'm trying to plan a trip and am looking for the most econimical way to go from the USA. <BR> <BR>Also, need to know some of the most interesting things to see, places to visit, etc. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Deb, I couldn't help you with the pricing of flights and the cheapest route since we flew on frequent flyer miles. As far as things to do in the areas that I saw I will email you directly a couple of informative emails. <BR> <BR>

I was in Port Duglass, although now three years ago. No doubt there has been more development. We stayed at the Torresian, which was nice. They had a "sister" property, Tree Tops which was newer and less familiy-oriented. <BR> <BR>We had a great time. Lots of good restaurants. We went scuba diving/ storkelling and one day to a Gorge.

Need info on Palm Cove and any suggested day tours. Yhanks, Cec

Rick, <BR> <BR>We have the same itinerary. We're going for 17 nights, 10 in Sydney, and 7 in Port Douglas departing on January 10th. <BR> <BR>Would appreciate the same data you sent Elaine. <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Alex...

Alex, I will send them to you shortly. Let me know if I can be of any other help.

If you don't mind Rick, I would also like a copy of the info you sent Elaine. <BR>How was the flight? As much as I would love to see Aus. & NZ, the long flight from Boston LAX SYD is making me somewhat reluctant to go. Thanks in advance.

Hi Rick <BR>I too would appreciate a copy of your itinerary if you do not mind or any other advice you may have. Thanks, Mary Ann

good morning rick! <BR>i too would like a copy of your trip. i guess its the unknown that bothers us all.

Rick: Could you e-mail me your itenerary and any advice you may have. <BR>Thanks.

I visited both in September 1998. Stayed at the Ritz Carlton, Sydney and Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas. Both were relatively inexpensive given the strong dollar. If you enjoy top notch accomodations I would highly recommend both properties. Port Douglas is a great town and a convenient jumping off point for a tour of the rainforest and the reef. Definitely stay there over Cains, which is touristy and lacking in character.

Rick - Could you e-mail your iternary. I am planning to go sometime between April-May for 3 weeks to Australia/New Zealand, maybe 2 weeks in Australia. <BR> <BR>Thanks, Mike

Would appreciate input on our itinerary: Sept.-Oct. Sydney, Ayers Rock, Cairns (Palm cove), Hamilton Is., Christchurch, Queensland. Would be grateful for your itinerary or comments about side-trips, companies to avoid at GBR, and day trips which are/aren't worth it. thanks so much.

Rick, <BR> <BR>I, too, would appreciate the same info you sent Elaine as I am planning a trip to Australia. <BR> <BR>We land in Sydney from Los Angeles. We want to see what there is to see in Sydney, then head up to the GBR. <BR> <BR>We are trying to save as much money on accommodation as possible since we want to spend it on activities. I think we are going to try staying in hostels as opposed to hotels. <BR> <BR>We also want to spend the majority of our time with the GBR and rainforests. <BR> <BR>We aren't sure whether to stay in Cairns or somewhere around it. <BR> <BR>Any suggestions would be appreciated. <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR> <BR>KC

Hi Rick, <BR>I'm off to OZ in june for 6 weeks. I plan to stay on the East Coast and visit Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns and their surrounds. I am especially interested in your comments on Port Douglas. Will you please send me a copy of your itinerary <BR>Thanks, <BR>Gina

Any info re: Port Douglas/Cairns would be appreciated especially regarding accomdations, day trips (can you recommend an island day trip? and things to do(or not)...Also, why did you pick P.D. over Cairns? Is it worth going to Cairns for a look? Will we get bored in P.D. since it is quite a bit smaller than Cairns? Although we are not 'party animals' we like to go out in the evenings for dinner, drinks etc. or do some early evening shopping...Does P.D. have that?

Planning a 23 day trip to Australia and New Zealand, leaving May 18. Would appreciate any info, especially side trips not worth time or money. Any ideas on purchasing wine as gifts for my children? Thanks.

Sorry to do this to you! Could you also send me a copy of your email detailing your trip and recommendations??? Thanks!

Since you offered...I'd love a copy of your itinerary as well. My husband and I are thinking of two weeks in late October/early November. Also interested in your thoughts on combining Australia and New Zealand, and if we're so inclined what are the 'must sees'/'must dos'. Thanks!

Rick: <BR> <BR>If you're in the e-mailing mood, would you mind e-mailing me a copy of your itinerary as well? Planning a 2 week trip to Sydney and PD as well for May, June 2000. I promise to return the favor to this forum upon return! Thank you.

We were in Sydney for 10 days, and I could have spent 10 days more. I don't know what your lodging budget is, but we loved the Park Hyatt on the Rocks. Had a horrible experience at the Ritz in Double Bay, and do not know about the one in Sydney. Double Bay is about 10 minutes from downtown. Anyway, you will have a wonderful trip. Take a day to the hunter valley, and a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Both were delightful, and you do want a driver is you are tasting all the great wines!

Hi Rick, glad to hear you had a good trip and as I am spending 5days in Sydney at the ANA and 5 days in Port Douglas at the Mirage I would like any tips you picked up, what to do what not to do. Thanks

Rick - <BR>I would really appreciate a copy of the email you sent Elaine on your itinerary, things to do etc. <BR>Thanks!

Rick <BR> <BR>Why don't you just post the info right here. I'm sure it may be able to help heaps of people. Thanks!

To Rick: <BR>Would also really like your advice on best sights and must sees in Sydney and Port Douglas. Going there in July, followed by a few days in Fiji.